Just days after assuming the dual role of coach-cum-selector for Pakistan, former skipper Misbah-ul-Haq announced the ban of biryani and junk food for the national side, according to media reports. The Pakistani side led by Sarfaraz Ahmed came under severe criticism during the World Cup for not being able to maintain their fitness and were deemed as the most ‘unfit’ side in the tournament. In addition to this, several members of the Pakistan team were spotted spending long nights at an outdoor restaurant eating pizza and burgers a day prior to their match in the World Cup, worsening the situation for the team.  Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed was caught yawning on camera after play resumed after rain had stopped play in the 47th over of the Indian innings. Netizens had a field day over the visual, asking if he had Chicken Biriyani during the break, while those on the other side had demanded that he be sacked and called it a ‘shame.’ 

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Misbah-ul-Haq bans biryani in Pakistani camp

Former Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq has already cracked the whip after taking over the reins of the team from former coach Mickey Arthur. Tightening the noose around the Pakistan team, Misbah-ul-Haq announced that biryani, sweets and other junk food will be banned for the entire team for the next two weeks. In addition to this, the new coach has also made it mandatory to include barbecue and protein-rich food in the diet of the team and has made it clear that the same pattern should be followed in the domestic league as well as the national camps in Pakistan. Further, Misbah-ul-Haq also revealed that a logbook of the players’ fitness will be maintained and monitored on a regular basis and that the players who are unfit will be shown the doors, according to local media reports. 

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Shoaib Akhtar takes a dig at Misbah ul Haq

Misbah ul Haq was appointed as the head coach as well as the chief selector by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). PCB had sacked the then head coach Mickey Arthur, bowling coach Azhar Mahmood and batting coach Grant Flower. Apart from Misbah ul Haq, former fast bowling legend Waqar Younis has been appointed as the Pakistan team's bowling coach by PCB. Meanwhile, PCB have also confirmed that Misbah will be the national team's head coach for three years. After Misbah's appointment as the head coach, Shoaib Akhtar came forward to make fun of his former Pakistan team-mate but in a light-hearted manner. Taking to the micro-blogging site, Shoaib Akhtar congratulated the former skipper for his new role of head coach as well as chief selector of Pakistan. At the same time, Shoaib Akhtar jokingly said that he was surprised about Misbah not being appointed the Chairman PCB as well. Akhtar then added that he was just kidding and really hoped that the ex-batsman does wonders like before.

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Misbah ul Haq's cricketing career

Misbah ul Haq had made his international debut way back in 2001 when Shoaib Akhtar was in the prime of his life. In his 16-year career, Misbah represented Pakistan in 75 Tests, 162 ODI's and 39 T20Is. He scored a handy knock against India in the inaugural edition of ICC World T20 in 2007 (final) and ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 (semi-final). However, his team ended up on the losing side on both occasions. Misbah ul Haq had led Pakistan to the summit of the ICC Test rankings in 2016 after which he hung up his boots. 

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